THE hunt for a job can be unnerving for any individual. But despite the challenges, 26-year-old Kareem Vassell, who has been blind since birth, remained resolute in his resolve to earn a position in the financial services industry.

Armed with a degree in economics and banking & finance from The University of the West Indies, Mona, Vassell, who is also a certified stockbroker, saw his breakthrough after an encounter with a hiring manager at Scotiabank. He shared that roughly a year into his job search, while attending a forum hosted by the bank to help equip disabled persons with the skills and resources needed for the world of work, he took the opportunity to share his resume with a hiring manager in attendance.

“I was extremely excited when I received a call about one month later to say that I was being considered for an internship!” he said.

Vassell started his internship in the summer after working closely with the team at Scotiabank which he said gave much attention to the department that would be the best fit for him in the organisation. Though he experienced challenges navigating the unfamiliar surroundings without sight, he remained patient and focused on finding innovative solutions to aid his internship experience.

He found solace in the fact that accessibility was already prioritised within the organisation and commended the bank’s efforts in ensuring an inclusive workplace where all individuals, regardless of their abilities, are given equal opportunities to thrive.

Reflecting on his journey, Vassell encouraged individuals with disabilities to “be patient and never give up”, and embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth, which he said is key to achieving personal and professional success.

“While some persons may be out of a job, it is important to persevere in the face of adversity and believe in their own capabilities,” he emphasised.

Vassell’s determination to succeed, paired with Scotiabank’s commitment to inclusivity, has allowed him to successfully complete his internship, which he said provided him with invaluable professional experience and serves as a testament to his strength and resilience.

Recognising the impact of Scotiabank on his journey, Vassell expressed his gratitude and admiration for the bank’s commitment to inclusivity and urged the organisation to continue leading by example, setting the standard for other companies to prioritise accessibility and provide equal opportunities for people with disabilities.

His sentiments were echoed by Donnalee Davidson, a customer service officer, employed to the Scotiabank Mandeville branch. Davidson, who became disabled when she was accidentally shot, said, “taking the opportunity to work at Scotiabank was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life”.

“When I took that opportunity, doors opened. Before my accident I had high self-esteem, I was very confident and after my accident my confidence fell way down. But getting the job at Scotiabank helped me to build back my confidence, it helped me to see that there is life, hope and things that I can do to make my life better,” she shared with community members at the recent forum for persons with disabilities hosted by Scotiabank.

“Scotiabank provided the accessibility. They have made the building more accommodative for me and for others in the event someone with a disability visits the branch,” she stated. “When you see persons coming to you and saying show me how to do this, you know that you are valued there, and they show that you are valued there as well.”

The duo were guest speakers at Scotiabank’s annual forum for persons with disabilities hosted in observance of International Day for Persons with Disabilities on December 4. Aimed at preparing persons with disabilities for the world of work, this year’s workshop catered to university students living with disabilities and saw sessions led by various sectors sharing career and professional development tips with attendees.